DonnaK.

I am 4 days post-op and feeling pretty well. Can't wait for my energy to return! url=http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com][/url]

Mine was 1/28, I am 4 days post-op. My husband had his back in October. I'm having more post-op issues than he did, so I have to admit I'm a bit jealous, but am hanging in there. I have an excellent doctor, so I am keeping the faith!

If you need something OTC for pain, CVS actually has liquid Tylenol in Adult strength. If you can't find it, you can use children's Tylenol, chewable or liquid.

I hate to think there are "fakers" on this site, but I guess there are some sad folks out there desperate for attention. I am going to take everything I read with a grain of salt. I am only 4 days post-surgery and having some issues. If I find that others experience the same issues, I feel I'm not alone. Best of luck to all of you on your journey!!

Check out Chocorite brand protein powder, I get the vanilla so I can add all sorts of flavors. I also really like the Atkins redimade shakes. I'm trying to stay strong right now, cause I'm 4 days post-surgery and haven't started losing even though I was warned it might happen. They took away my prescription diuretic and I know I'm retaining lots of fluid, but I know it will get better. Congrats on all the positive action you have taken!!

I think it's great that you have made this decision for yourself. I too have had people who don't understand, but that's okay. I am so glad you're doing it now. I am 57 and 4 days post surgery. I wish I had done it 20 years ago. I feel I've missed out on so much for so long. Hang in there, you're gonna do great!!

I know very few people having the band nowdays and most Bariatric surgeons don't recommend it. My husband had the sleeve in October and is doing very well. I had the sleeve on Monday and so far no regrets. At this point I have not felt hunger at all. My only challenge is getting enough liquid down in a day.

It's very possible that your boyfriend is afraid of the "changing you", and wants to sabotage your progress. If you made this decision because it was what YOU wanted and needed for yourself, hang in there, and if counseling is an option for you or the both of you, I would suggest it. Birth control can definitely affect your emotions. Sometimes a person has to try a couple of different ones to find the best for them. You really need a support group and I know this can be a good place for that. I will help in any way that I can if you need a listening ear, and will send prayers your way as well!!

I really like ChocoRite brand. I found it much cheaper at netrition.com. With the french vanilla, I use 2 scoops, 8 ounces of water, 2 ounces of skim milk, then when it's allowed, I add about 4 frozen strawberries. When fruit isn't allowed, I use banana flavored sugar free syrup. YUM!!

Good to hear all went well and you're up and around!

My husband is twice my size, so everyone understands why he is having surgery, but they all tell me that they don't see why I can't just do it by myself. I have been 100 pounds overweight for 3o years. Most of it is in my belly (apron) and thighs, so from the waist up, I don't look that big (how unfair to be this big an wear an A-B cup!). I know when it's all over and I am at my goal weight, I will have to carry around my "before" picture for people to see, but that's okay with me!

Hey....we're on the SAME team! Prayers headed your way, but you know you have the most important one on your side! Keep us posted...

You look like a "hot mama" now, but if you want to be hotter, then go for it!! You mention so many reasons the rest of us are thinking for having the surgery, but are just too cowardly to say it outloud. Here's my strange analogy.... I look at myself as a tree. It wont hurt me at all to "lose a few leaves" or for my "trunk" to get smaller because I have strong "roots" and a good heart and that's what matters the most. I'm tired of being "naked" and living through a never-ending "winter". I plan to leaf out and have a beautiful spring till my seasons are over. Hokey maybe, but I had a dream about it and it has inspired me to have the courage to make the changes I need to make. My prayers are with you through your surgery and recovery and if you ever need someone to talk to, drop me a line!

Some of what you're talking about could be a blood clot. Call your DR. immediately. If you can't get the doctore, call 911. Some of it could be blood sugar , but it could be something else.....DON'T WAIT and make sure you are NOT alone!!

Prayers sent your way. Keep us updated on your progress, okay??

Have you explored the "financing" route with a US doctor? I don't know what my doctor's programs are, though I know he has some. I think he's an excellent doctor and his reputation is awesome. Hopefully you will get help from some others on here. Take care.

Prayers your way. Let us know how you do!

My doctor requires 2 weeks of liquid diet immediately before surgery. Since my husband weighed over 400. The doctor said he would have to lose weight to lessen chance of complications. He has lost 21 pounds in 2 weeks and is ecstatic!

I have a friend who told me to be sure I deal with the issues around food that got me here in the first place. She didn't have a "death" story, but she told me about a friend who had WLS and traded food for alcohol and now she is a "skinny drunk". I know she's right about dealing with the issues, but I hope she can be supportive of me. If not, well, I guess she's not a true friend.

The doctor put my husband on a liquid diet immediately because he needed to lose weight BEFORE surgery. Since it's not his 2 week pre-op diet, he adds mushrooms to his broth. That way he actually gets something to chew. There are a lot of bariatric food websites that offer different soups. Have you looked to see if there's some out there that have better flavor, but your doctor will approve of?

I live in Dallas and am 2 months pre-surgery. I would love to get involved in a group or start a group. E-mail me at dkdalexander@hotmail.com if interested. Thanks!!

Hey Jen, I know a really great thrift store with a super selection of jeans and pants in a size 24. E-mail me at dkdalexander@hotmail.com if you want the info. Donna

I have Aetna and it was approved very quickly, however, I am being treated for diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure, so I imagine that has a lot to do with it. My husband is not diabetic, but he has a lot more to lose, so his approval was pretty much automatic as well, BUT, we do have a 3 month wait before surgery which will include 3 classes, a sleep study, cardiac screening, and since I have been treated for depression, I also have to have a psych evaluation. Due to my husband's size, the doctor wants him to lose as much weight as possible BEFORE surgery, to decrease the chance of complications.